Color gradient paths

Abstract

A system and method for generating color gradients is provided. The system generates color gradients using techniques from geometric surface modeling. The system and method of the present invention allow designers to specify very complex gradients in a simple way. The system can employ, for example, a vector-based interpolation method and / or a pixel-based partial differential equation (PDE) interpolation methods to facilitate generation of the color gradients. In one example, input boundary curves and / or feature curves are approximated by line segments, which are then utilized to generate a triangulation approximating a smooth color gradient.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 601,428, filed Jun. 23, 2003, entitled “COLOR GRADIENT PATHS,” which is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 417,937, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,856,705, filed on Apr. 16, 2003, entitled “IMAGE BLENDING BY GUIDED INTERPOLATION,” which is an application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 450,078, filed on Feb. 25, 2003, entitled “IMAGE BLENDING BY GUIDED INTERPOLATION.” The entireties of the above-noted applications are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates generally to computer graphics, and, more particularly to a system and method to facilitate smooth color gradient(s) by employing color gradient path(s). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Many computer paint and drawing programs allow a user to fill an area with a single and / or m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The present invention provides a system and method to facilitate generation of smooth color gradients using techniques from geometric surface modeling. The system and method of the present invention allow designers to specify very complex gradients in a simple way. A visual designer can edit the color gradient after it is created, and these color gradients can be generated (e.g., very quickly) in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The resulting color gradient has smoothly varying colors and scales well across various output devices (e.g., form factors and / or display configurations). Color gradients generated in accordance with the present invention enable users to quickly and easily create rich and smooth color gradients that can be efficiently drawn using computer graphics hardware.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides for graphic representations of color gradients to have a compact representation when compared with conventional graphic representations of gradients. Thus, unlike bitmaps, which often contain a large quantity information, graphic representations based on color gradients generated in accordance with the present invention can be compact; a color gradient generated in accordance with the present invention can be specified using a small amount of data (e.g., amenable to XML markup). Using any suitable transmission format (e.g., markup language), color gradient graphics can be quickly transmitted across computer networks.

[0011] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, color gradient graphics facilitate scalability of graphic representations. Whereas a computer that has a high-resolution display can render color gradients as richly as desired, a pocket-sized computer can render a simpler version that is suited for display on small or grayscale screens.

[0012] Further, unlike traditional vector graphics, which are usually regarded as flat and cartoon-like, graphics built using color gradients generated in accordance with the present invention can appear as visually rich as bitmap graphics. Yet, vector graphics can build on color gradient, resulting in compact vector graphic representations with rich and smooth color gradients. Thus, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, color gradients generated in accordance with the present invention can be built top of vector graphics and / or bitmap / raster graphics. Thus, color gradients generated in accordance with the present invention can coexist with previous standards yet offer richer graphics and easier editing experiences.

Problems solved by technology

The linear gradient is the most basic gradient of all and is typically not complex enough for advanced effects.

The mesh gradient is more advanced than both linear and radial gradients; however, complex mesh gradients put a heavy burden on the users, as they can only be achieved by specifying the positions and colors of many control points.

A gradient mesh is more powerful, but is more difficult for designers to use.

It is also difficult to define a mesh gradient to fill a non-rectangular region, since Bèzier surfaces are typically defined using quadrilateral meshes.

Achieving a desired appearance is also time-consuming and non-intuitive, since more complicated effects generally require the user to individually move and color many control points.

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